Plans for a new electric vehicle (EV) charging hub near to Leeds have received ‘overwhelming’ public support, it has been claimed.
The proposed hub would create bays for disabled users, 13 vehicle parking spaces, and a retail unit to provide refreshments and convenience goods on an old pub site near the M62.
According to the consultation to Leeds City Council, more than three-quarters of respondents (76%) have said that they are in favour of BP’s proposals for 18 covered ultra-fast charging bays on the former site of the White Bear pub on the Dewsbury Road in Leeds.
A new access road is also planned with existing trees retained as part of an extensive tree planting and landscaping scheme, the planners being the application, Lichfields, said.
The scheme aims to address the lack of EV charging facilities in the Leeds area, enabling people to charge their electric vehicles in under 30 minutes. Almost all of the people who responded to the survey (93%) agreed that the site will benefit from new investment and development, while 71% felt there is a need for more EV charging provision in and around Tingley.
The news follows a recent announcement by Leeds City Council, which is linking up with EV charge operators to deliver dozens of new charging bays across the city – the first 30 bays at six locations have already gone live. A further 54 bays at nine more locations are due to come on stream by the early summer.
James Cox, associate director at the Leeds office of planning and development consultancy Lichfields, who is overseeing the planning submission, said: “The public consultation reveals that there is overwhelming support from local people and stakeholders for the development. It has got to be seen as a positive step in the right direction, bringing a disused site back in to use while creating a much-needed facility and jobs.
“Sustainability lies at the heart of the proposals, which promise to deliver a host of benefits and contribute to the roll out of EV facilities across Leeds. The scheme is also set within a well-connected landscaped site, complete with all the amenities and functionality demanded by drivers requiring ‘superfast’ charging hubs.”
If the project is approved, onsite work could start towards the end of 2023.
Images courtesy of Lichfields
